Everything seemed to be going so well. Having produced a miracle to secure their Premier League status, Leicester City made three summer signings before July, which only enhanced the good feeling around the King Power Stadium.
Then, drama ensued in a big way. After some misdemeanors of his own last season, manager Nigel Pearson was sacked in the wake of his son's involvement in a sex tape during the club's trip to Thailand.
His replacement was a surprising one, with former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri having been given the opportunity to prove himself once again in England.
Can the charismatic Italian continue the positive vibes from last term? Here, Sports Mole assesses his chances of delivering the goods.
In
Christian Fuchs (Schalke), Robert Huth (Stoke City), Shinji Okazaki (Mainz), N'Golo Kante (Caen), Yohan Benalouane (Atalanta BC)
Out
Chris Wood (Leeds United), Esteban Cambiasso (Released)
Last season - 14th
Manager - Claudio Ranieri
© Getty Images
The Italian has an impressive CV, which includes names like Valencia, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan. But, what is worrying is that from his 13 jobs in club and international management, Ranieri has lasted 100 or more games with just two of those teams. One of those was during a four-year stint at Stamford Bridge, where he earned himself the nickname 'Tinkerman' due to his tendency to change his starting lineup and formation.
Of course, rotation is much more the norm now compared to 15 years ago, so it's unlikely that the 63-year-old will upset too many of his players with his meddling. Having managed some big clubs, the fact that Ranieri has won only five major trophies is somewhat disappointing, but his job at Leicester will be to ensure survival and having never been relegated, he will fancy his chances of achieving that target.
Key Player - Robert Huth
It would not be an exaggeration to suggest that had the German centre-back not arrived on loan from Stoke City in January, Leicester could well have fallen through the Premier League's trapdoor, such was the influence that he had on the team. At the business end of last season, the Foxes kept five clean sheets in seven games, with Huth at the heart of the defence.
The 30-year-old has since signed a permanent contract with Leicester, which will have been a big boost for Ranieri upon his arrival. The pair have actually worked together before during their time at Chelsea. Quite simply, if you don't concede goals you can't lose the game and with Huth around, Leicester have a good chance of recording some vital clean sheets.
© Getty Images
Possible starting lineup
Schmeichel; Huth, Morgan, Fuchs; Schlupp, Albrighton, King, Drinkwater, Vardy; Okazaki, Ulloa
First game: Sunderland (H), Full fixture list
Sports Mole says
It is still something of a shock that Leicester have been included in our set of Premier League previews, rather than our Championship collection. To be fair, they earned their survival with seven wins from their last nine games, but it's unlikely that they will be so fortunate should they find themselves in a similar position next May.
First of all it will be down to Ranieri to make sure that the harmony is restored after a summer of upheaval. From the outside looking in, it seemed that there was a good spirit among the squad last term and it's important that remains in place. Aside from Arsenal away in late September, Leicester's fixtures up until the start of November are relatively kind, so getting points on the board early on - unlike last season - will be crucial. It will be a struggle again, but safety shouldn't be beyond them.
Prediction - 17th
Liam Apicella
